This piece of information might come in handy for newcomers in Lagos or those who like me don't seem to have a bearing no matter what and so have no option but to take a cab to other parts of the metropolis.
Tips on hiring a taxi in Lagos:
1. Types of taxis
– My advice to visitors, especially those on a budget, is that it’s not absolutely necessary (as in many other places) to hire a vehicle. Lagos has a variety of transport options, but by far the most widely used option for visitors is the city’s yellow metered taxi (‘yellow cab’). These have the remit to work throughout the city, and are equipped with a meter. They are hired privately and you won’t find anyone else getting in along the way as it travels to your desired destination. At almost any time of day, in almost every part of the city, you’re never too far from a yellow taxi.
– My advice to visitors, especially those on a budget, is that it’s not absolutely necessary (as in many other places) to hire a vehicle. Lagos has a variety of transport options, but by far the most widely used option for visitors is the city’s yellow metered taxi (‘yellow cab’). These have the remit to work throughout the city, and are equipped with a meter. They are hired privately and you won’t find anyone else getting in along the way as it travels to your desired destination. At almost any time of day, in almost every part of the city, you’re never too far from a yellow taxi.
As you travel around the city you will quickly notice taxis in other colours, depending on the area (commune). These communal taxis(street taxis) which travel on fixed routes (like a bus), and take on passengers along the route whenever they have space and people flag them down. The cost is minimal, though these vehicles tend to be in a poorer state of repair.They are not quite as clean and they are more of a security risk (keep an eye on your phone/wallet).
To finish our round-up of transport options, there are also the public BRT buses, the private buses (danfo), non registered taxis that are locally called kabu kabu and are generally close to falling apart .
2. Discussing the price
– Perhaps the essential point about the metered taxis, is that the meter is basically never used. Instead the price is almost always negotiated. ‘Tricky for first time visitors!’ you may well say! And that is indeed the case. With the help of a local (who novices should use where possible to negotiate the price, particularly if you look foreign), you should hopefully soon get the hang of it. If you’re a foreigner, you’ll probably end up paying a lot more than the local rate, unless you’ve worked out the finer points of pricing and negotiation.
– Perhaps the essential point about the metered taxis, is that the meter is basically never used. Instead the price is almost always negotiated. ‘Tricky for first time visitors!’ you may well say! And that is indeed the case. With the help of a local (who novices should use where possible to negotiate the price, particularly if you look foreign), you should hopefully soon get the hang of it. If you’re a foreigner, you’ll probably end up paying a lot more than the local rate, unless you’ve worked out the finer points of pricing and negotiation.
In discussions, you generally initially name your price, after which three things tend to happen:
i) if the price is ridiculously low, the taxi driver may just drive off without another word
ii) in most cases, when you’re around the right mark with your first offer, the driver will reply with a price that is a bit higher than usual.
iii) or, the taxi man will accept your price (either because you’ve given the right price and he thinks you know what you’re talking about, or because you’re paying way too much).
i) if the price is ridiculously low, the taxi driver may just drive off without another word
ii) in most cases, when you’re around the right mark with your first offer, the driver will reply with a price that is a bit higher than usual.
iii) or, the taxi man will accept your price (either because you’ve given the right price and he thinks you know what you’re talking about, or because you’re paying way too much).
A few other things to bear in mind:
– With the toll gates, you may want to check if you are paying for this as an additional charge if it’s included.
– Rush hour and rain will increase the price, along the lines of supply and demand. These are also the two events that most create those moments where it can be difficult to find a taxi.
– With the toll gates, you may want to check if you are paying for this as an additional charge if it’s included.
– Rush hour and rain will increase the price, along the lines of supply and demand. These are also the two events that most create those moments where it can be difficult to find a taxi.
3. Change
Once you’ve discussed the price, it is extremely important to alert the driver about the denomination you possess . Early in the day, drivers are unlikely to have much change available.
Once you’ve discussed the price, it is extremely important to alert the driver about the denomination you possess . Early in the day, drivers are unlikely to have much change available.
Drivers may sometimes beacon you to get in anyway, and they’ll look to find the change on the way. But from experience, this can frequently be a frustrating experience in which you stop at various places (especially petrol stations) where the driver will try (often unsuccessfully) to ask for change. The best thing is to be organised and keep a hold of those smaller notes for morning bus transport.
Lastly If you are trying to pick-up a taxi in an area associated with rich and inexperienced international travellers you probably won’t get a good price. You may want to put a few metres between you and that 5 star hotel before hailing a taxi. Have a great day.
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